DClinPsy Clinical Psychology

Programme code
Duration	3 years (with placements)
Course type	Full-time
Study location	Plymouth

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Become a competent and capable clinical psychologist. Receive training which emphasises psychotherapy, reflective practice, complex clinical issues and applicable research skills. As the first in the country to be approved through a joint partnership between the Health and Care Professions Council (HPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS), and having run since 1982, this programme will enhance your psychological career and enable you to become a highly reflective scientist practitioner.

Applications - important information

Please refer to the How to apply menu below for further details.

International applicants must apply via the online form and UK applicants via the Clearing House weblink.

Key features

Benefit from service user involvement through working closely with the Service User and Carer Consultative Group.
Widening participation in clinical psychology – candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are welcome.
Benefit from our commitment to producing competent and capable clinical psychologists who work as highly reflective scientist practitioners.
Become eligible to apply for registration as clinical psychologists with the Health and Care Professions Council, with the opportunity to gain Chartered Psychologist (C.Psychol) status, and full membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology with the British Psychological Society.
Take advantage of excellent relationships with local services in the South West of England; local clinicians are committed to supporting training and offer a wide range of placements in both rural and urban settings.
Select the current job description and person specification for the position of Trainee Clinical Psychologist.
The community psychology placements are a sector leading feature of this course, aligning trainees’ learning with the evolving needs of the workforce.

Course details

Stage 1
We have a competency-based curriculum, knitting academic, research and clinical elements of the programme together. The curriculum builds across the three years ensuring that our trainees learn and are robustly assessed across the core competencies required of a clinical psychologist in practice in the NHS.
Each year typically begins with an extended teaching block with the remaining teaching spread regularly throughout the year. The majority of your time will be spent on clinical placements with teaching interspersed to complement the clinical experience you gain. As a Stage 1 trainee you will also gain a foundation level qualification in systemic family therapy (independently accredited by the Association of Family Therapy).

Stage 1 is a Foundational stage in which trainees learn to practise safely and ethically with structure, guidance and closer supervision.

Core modules

CPSY810
Clinical Placement 1

Develops core competencies required for clinical practice through supervised, work-based learning on clinical placement, with a focus on assessment, formulation, intervention, evaluation and understanding systemic practice. Includes establishing effective therapeutic relationships; inter-disciplinary team working; assessment and formulation; intervention and evaluation; communication; training and consultancy; professional practice; supervision and personal development. Assessment is through supervisor ratings on core competencies and assessed observations of practice.

CPSY811
Working Professionally and Ethically: Emerging Skills

This module develops foundational knowledge and self-awareness in ethical, reflective, and culturally responsive professional practice. Trainees learn to work safely within competence, engage in supervision, and understand difference, power, and inequality as core dimensions of ethical and professional identity in clinical psychology.

CPSY812
Psychological Models 1

This module focuses on the psychological theories and models that trainees will require to work with their clinical caseloads, building knowledge and developing skills in assessment, formulation and intervention leading to implementing and evaluating a range of psychological therapies or other interventions across a range of client groups and types of clinical problems. This module covers the theory and practice of contemporary Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and associated therapies in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.

CPSY813
Research 1

This module introduces key principles and methods of research in clinical psychology, developing understanding of how evidence informs practice. Students explore qualitative and quantitative approaches. Emphasis is placed on rigour, quality, and ethical awareness, alongside the role of public and service user involvement in research design and evaluation. Students enhance their critical review, writing, and communication skills, building confidence as reflective and ethically grounded practitioner-researchers.

CPSY814
Core Clinical Skills

This Module provides trainees with the foundational clinical, therapeutic and professional knowledge, understanding and skills required to begin work on clinical placements. These include communication skills, creating a therapeutically safe space, assessment skills, awareness of risk and formulation. These skills are assessed in a role play-based Placement Readiness Assessment and associated reflective self-evaluation.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is a time of continuing development during which trainees practise with increasing autonomy, flexibility and intergration across clinical, professional and academic domains.

Core modules

CPSY820
Clinical Placement 2

Further develops core competencies required for clinical practice through supervised, work-based learning on clinical placement, with a focus on undertaking more complex assessment, formulation and intervention work and extending further into indirect working (e.g. supervision, consultation, teaching and training). Assessment is through supervisor ratings on core competencies and assessed observations of practice.

CPSY821
Leadership Foundations

This module introduces leadership theory, ethical influence, and early skills in service improvement within health and social care systems. Trainees build on professional values to explore cultural capability, supervision, reflective practice, and the psychologist’s role in promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and quality improvement within multidisciplinary and community contexts.

CPSY822
Psychological Models 2

This module builds on Psychological Models Stage 1 and consists of an extended range of theories and models, whilst retaining a focus on CBT and associated approaches, that trainees will require to work with clinical caseloads, to apply knowledge and further develop more advanced competencies in formulation based intervention, implementing a range of psychological therapies or other interventions across a range of client groups and types of clinical problems. Knowledge of how to conduct effective evaluations of such interventions

CPSY823
Research 2

This module provides the teaching and learning opportunities necessary for trainees to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in research methods appropriate to the second year of the doctoral programme in clinical psychology.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is a time for consolidating integrated, confident and system-aware practice consistent with readiness for autonomous professional practice. This year will take account of current legislation and policy with regard to the role of clinical psychologists in the National Health Service. For example, emphasis has been placed on acquiring competencies in supervision, consultation and leadership in line with recent policy guidelines.
Research activities bridge the academic and clinical components of the programme with time allocated particularly in year Stage 3 three for a major empirical research project.

Core modules

CPSY830
Clinical Placement 3

Further develops core competencies required for clinical practice through supervised, work-based learning on clinical placement in preparation for more autonomous practice post qualification. There is a focus on developing competence and self-awareness through undertaking more complex work, such as offering supervision, delivering teaching and training, providing consultation and other forms of leadership. Assessment is through supervisor ratings on core competencies and assessed observations of practice.

CPSY831
Leadership and Ethical Practice: Complex skills 3

This advanced module develops trainees’ capacity for ethical, innovative, and systemic leadership in preparation for qualified practice. Trainees refine skills in supervision, reflective practice, service improvement, and consultation, applying anti-racist, inclusive, and community-oriented approaches to address inequality and promote ethical, sustainable services.

CPSY832
Research 3

This module provides the teaching and learning opportunities necessary for trainees to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in research methods appropriate to the third year of the doctoral programme in clinical psychology.

^{The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.}

Entry requirements

A degree in psychology, or other degree plus a conversion course (at diploma or Masters level), allowing eligibility at the time of application for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Evidence of a minimum of :

A relevant 2:1 degree classification (or equivalent) is required in Psychology or related subject area.

2:2 Undergraduate degree plus either a Merit or Distinction on a relevant postgraduate degree (Eg MSc) or a UK trained Clinical Associate in Psychology / Clinical Applied Associate in Psychology (CAP or CAAP) Masters (if pass / fail graded – Pass required, if fail / pass / merit / distinction graded – Merit or Distinction required) or PhD completion. It is the candidates responsibility to demonstrate equivalence if degrees are achieved outside the UK.

A 2:2, 2:1 or 1st in a non-psychology related degree plus:
a Merit or Distinction in a psychology conversion course (Diploma or Masters).

Note for all of the above, a Merit would typically be equivalent to 60-69% and a Distinction would be 70% or above

At the time of application, applicants must have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Relevant experience of at least one-year whole time equivalent (not including undergraduate placements):

Experience can be gained in a range of clinical environments, including national or public health services, another healthcare body or in private practice.
It must be relevant to the field of clinical psychology.

Examples of roles that would constitute ‘relevant’ experience include Assistant or Research Psychologists. Other roles are also considered as long as they meet two or more of the following criteria:

Supervision by a qualified clinical psychologist (or equivalent practitioner psychologist).
Face-to-face contact with service users and delivery of structured psychological interventions/mental health support/structured clinical or neuropsychological assessments.
Familiarity with clinical populations and settings in the public health or in health/social care settings.
Substantive position preferably within a statutory setting.
Conducting and disseminating research that has involved service-user facing interactions.

It is helpful to have had clinical experience that has been supervised by a qualified clinical psychologist and to have current understanding of the profession of clinical psychology.
For applicants where English is not their first language, our English proficiency requirement is IELTS (7.0) in all components or a TOEFL score of 93.

Fees, costs and funding

	2026-2027	2027-2028
Home	£0	To be confirmed
International	£36,930	To be confirmed
Part time (Home)	To be confirmed	To be confirmed

Fees shown are per annum.

Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Fees, costs and funding

International applicants: The course fee of £36,930 includes a placement fee of £3,230. Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.

Home fees applicants: currently applicants must be eligible for home fees status. For questions about fee status please check the Clearing House website or UKCISA website.

Current UK trainees are full-time employees of the health service and have annual leave and other benefits in line with usual NHS entitlements. On entry to the programme all trainees commence on the first spine point of Band 6 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. Travelling expenses are paid for travel to placement and University fees are paid directly by the NHS

For specific questions please contact Michele Thomas, Course Administrator.

How to apply

International applicants please apply via the link above.

If you are a UK applicant please apply via the Clearing House weblink below.

Apply to this programme through the Clearing House

The below information is for the International Application Process ONLY.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2027.
No applications will be considered after this date. We reserve the right to close applications prior to this date subject to demand.

You are required to provide the following documentation as part of your application:

Relevant educational certificates
Evidence of Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This can be evidenced on your degree transcript, or by a letter from the BPS.
A full CV of no more than 6 pages with Arial font size 11. This should include all your education qualifications and work experience, both paid and voluntary, and any other information you consider relevant.
Two suitability statements (references), one academic and one relevant experience.

Upon receipt of your application, you will be asked to complete an additional form regarding your suitability for the DClinPsy Clinical Psychology. To allow you to prepare your answers in advance, the questions are below:

Reflection: In what way have your work and/or research experiences made you a better candidate for training in clinical psychology? (3,000 character limit)
What would you hope to gain from training? (750 character limit)
What is your understanding of the role of the clinical psychologist within mental health care systems in the UK? (1,500 character limit)
Other information about yourself, e.g. activities/interests apart from psychology (750 character limit)
Statement about why you want to understand the DClinPsy at the University of Plymouth. Please include reflections on undertaking your clinical training in the UK, and specifically about studying at the University of Plymouth and working in the South West of England. Please confirm that you are aware your clinical placements could take place in Cornwall, Plymouth, South Devon, or Exeter. Please also acknowledge that many placements within the South West require travel to locations that are not accessible by public transport so the ability to travel independently, i.e. by car, is essential (1,000 character limit)
Publications/Dissemination. Please list any appropriate dissemination about your work e.g. journal articles, service-related research/audit, conference presentations etc. Please give sufficient details about the method of dissemination. Please use APA style to list journals.
Any information necessary to explain who you have nominated to write your two references.
If there are any factors and/or further context that are relevant in assessing your application, please give further information.

References (Suitability Statements)

Your two references should take the form of Suitability Statements: one academic and one relevant experience statement. Please nominate one person to write your Academic Suitability Statement and a different person to write your Experience Suitability Statement. Each suitability statement can only be provided by one person.

Academic Suitability Statements should, where possible, be from an academic institution where you have studied. The person writing this statement should have direct experience of your academic ability and performance (i.e. competence in academic performance, academic study/scholarship, and research experience/performance).

You should nominate your current employer to provide your Experience Suitability Statement, where possible. However, you may request a Suitability Statement from a previous employer if there is a good reason e.g. if you are not currently working in a relevant role, or you have only worked in your current role for a few months, or if your current employer can only provide a standard HR reference. If your Experience Suitability Statement is not from your current employer, please explain why.

Personal Connections: Please note that you should not submit a Suitability Statement from your close relations, members of your immediate household or your business partner. In other words, the person writing the suitability statement should not have personal connections with you.

It is your responsibility to ensure the written suitability statement is provided to the university.

Information for people providing suitability statements

When you ask two people to write your suitability statements, please provide them with the following information:

The applicant is applying for clinical psychology training, and you are providing information to support selection decision-making.

The qualification is a doctoral level postgraduate research degree, which integrates research, academic and clinical practice throughout all aspects of the training. This prepares trainees for practice as professional Clinical Psychologists, eligible to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council in the UK and for Chartered Clinical status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Once qualified, Clinical Psychologists provide face-to-face therapy for individuals, families and groups. They also supervise and teach other professions to provide psychological treatments.

Clinical Psychologists apply the science of Psychology to a range of clinical healthcare services. Clinical Psychologists use this knowledge to design, implement and evaluate healthcare services that enhance wellbeing and minimise ill-health and impairment.

They are trained to apply their knowledge in systematic methods and practice which are scientifically evaluated, and to test clinical practice for its effectiveness. Clinical Psychologists are committed to research, both drawing on the evidence base and contributing to it.

Clinical Psychologists offer leadership in organisational development, audit, service redesign and development.

Application Process

On receipt of your application, you will be academically screened and asked to provide the required documentation described above.

Academically suitable applicants will be shortlisted between 1 February and 1 April. No updates will be provided about applications before 1 April.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview, held on 19 and 20 April 2027.

Applicants who pass the interview will be made a Conditional offer, subject to academic and non-academic conditions, including health and police checks. A reserve list will be in operation.

Any unsuccessful candidates will be informed.

International enquiries please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Discover more

Our selection process

Find out more about the selection process you will participate in when applying to our DClinPsy programme.

Placements

During this programme you will spend at least half of your time in training on clinical placements.

Research

This programme in particular emphasises the intimate relationships between clinical practice and research.

Nicole Parish presented her research at the final of the Vitae Three Minute Thesis competition

“Studying at University of Plymouth has really encouraged me to take a critical look at all aspects of my practice, and this presentation will be a great way to showcase my work to a distinguished audience.”

Nicole’s doctoral thesis is centred around the collaborative work necessary in accurately diagnosing cases of autism.

Find out more about Nicole's D.Clin.Psy research